Petition updateStop the bullying, intimidation, and discrimination against women on El Al flights!Asked To Switch Seats On a Flight Because You Are A Woman?
Sharon ShapiroChicago, IL, United States
12 Jan 2015 — http://salsa3.salsalabs.com/o/50494/p/salsa/web/common/public/content?content_item_KEY=13885 January 2015 IRAC offers these guidelines about dealing with requests by male ultra-Orthodox passengers who ask to switch seats in order to avoid sitting next to a female passenger. Lacking a clear policy on how to deal with such requests after passengers board the airplane, airline companies typically try to resolve requests for gender-segregated seating in a quiet and expedited manner that may not be in the best interest of female passengers. It is important to note that while airline companies have the legal authority to change seating arrangements after boarding, requiring a passenger to switch seats due to gender segregation is illegal. On January 2011, the Israeli Supreme Court declared gender segregation on public buses illegal and ruled that women can sit in any vacant seat of their choice. This decision is relevant in all public transportation contexts, including airline flights. Airline companies are required to ensure the equal and respectful treatment of female passengers, and to make sure they are not required to give up their seats due to their gender. Know your rights: If a passenger asks you to move in order to avoid mixed seating, it is your right to decline to do so. A flight attendant may not ask you to move as a result of a passenger's request to avoid mixed seating. You should not feel obligated to give up your seat, even if due to your refusal to switch seats the flight will be delayed. If a flight is delayed due to a passenger who refuses to sit next to you, it is not your responsibility. Let us know if an airline failed to protect your rights. Write down all the details of the event and contact the Israel Religious Action Center at pluralist@irac.org.
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